Zidane makes record Real switch

Zidane shows of his Real Madrid shirt

Zinedine Zidane has become the world's most expensive player by completing a record £45.8m move from Juventus to Real Madrid.

Real unveiled Zidane at 1300 BST on Monday - when he was introduced by Real legend Alfredo di Stefano.

The Spanish giants are now targeting Valencia's brilliant Gaizka Mendieta to complete a dream link up with Zidane, Luis Figo and Raul.

"I can officially confirm that I have signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid which includes an option for an additional year for between 480 and 500 million francs," said the France's World Player of the Year.

Nedved: Juve replacement

Zidane's contract is worth a reported 1bn pesetas (£3.6m) a season.

"It is a great honour to come here to this great club," Zidane said at Real's presentation, before being handed the club's famous all-white shirt by the club's honorary president Di Stefano.

"I think that after five years at Juventus it was the right time to make a move and I hope that I will be able to do as well if not better than I did at Juventus."

Spanish radio reported that the World Cup and Euro 2000 winner flew in to the military airbase of Torrejon close to Madrid in a private jet on Sunday evening before having a medical.

Real were in a hurry to close the deal with the Serie A club as France midfield man Zidane is due to travel to Moscow on Thursday to lend his support to the Paris bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games.

'Determined'

On Friday Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi revealed how he was powerless to stop Zidane's imminent move to Spain.

Moggi explained that the Frenchman had set his heart on joining the Spanish champions who were equally determined to buy him.

"Zidane has expressed his desire to leave and the Real president Florentino Perez was absolutely determined to take him to Madrid," Moggi told the Spanish sports daily Marca.

Juve have already moved to sign Lazio's Pavel Nedved as replacement in a £25m deal.

Perez said: "Real Madrid was recently voted the best club in the world by Fifa and for that we must have the best players in the world.

"Zidane is one of those and we have no doubt that he will shine even more in Madrid than previously."

He added: "Next year we want a great team for our centenary so that the fans can be both entertained and enjoy the football.

"We are building the Real Madrid of the 21st century. The arrival of Zidane is good for all Spanish fans who have the right to see the best players so that the Spanish league can be the best league in Europe.

"We are all happy, including the player, that Zidane is here and joining the great family that is Real Madrid."